Introduction/Statistics/Lab Reports/Course expectations
Why observations are important; the usefulness of practical experience; importance of error estimation.
How statistics are used to estimate measurement accuracy; populations; simple error propagation and combination of errors; regression and confidence intervals; some simple statistical tests and how/when to use them.
The importance of clarity and brevity in report writing; the structure of a scientific report; common mistakes
Temperature measurements and Temperature Laboratory
How is temperature measured? Direct and indirect measurements; concept of calibration; time response; ventilation.
Laboratory calibration of several different temperature sensors, analysis of data.
Pressure and humidity measurements and Humidity Laboratory
Barometer concepts and instruments; relative and absolute humidity measurement. Importance of calibration.
Laboratory calibration and comparison of humidity sensors, analysis of data.
Wind measurement and Wind Tunnel Laboratory
Windfield measurement; vector measurement; different types of anemometer and physical principles involved. Importance of time response; distance constant; sonic anemometry
Calibration and comparison of anemometers in the 3x3 wind tunnel, data logging, analysis of time series.
Weather Station Deployment
Choice of sites for deployment; setting up the Davis weather stations; downloading data; importance of instrument support.
Aerosols and Chemistry Laboratory (Dean Hegg)
Measurement of important atmospheric gases (CO, O3); measurements of atmospheric aerosol
MIDTERM, Monday Feb 13, 11:30-12:20, ATG 310c
Satellite observations
Basic principles; active and passive sensor concepts; EM spectrum, recap of basic radiative transfer; bands used in remote sensing; satellite orbital concepts; orbital parameters; geosynchronous and sunsynchronous orbits; satellite sensors; basic sounding theory; microwave measurements; scatterometry.
Radar remote sensing of precipitation
Basic principles; instrumental set-up; sensitivity; wavelengths used; antenna types/sizes; radar indicators (RHI, PPI, CAPPI); approximate radar equation and what it tells us. Importance of phase (ice/liquid), particle size and shape; doppler radar; practival analysis of radar imagery.
Weather state analysis/project laboratory
Quality control of downloaded datasets; first pass analysis; some basic statistics; identifying project focus; ancillary data.
Mar 12-16: Finals Week
FINAL EXAM: